The Best Way to Paint Aluminum
- 1). Mix 3 tbsp. of heavy-duty powdered laundry detergent in a gallon bucket of warm water. Scrub the aluminum with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse the aluminum with buckets of water or a garden hose. You may need several buckets of water depending on how large the aluminum is. Dry the aluminum with clean rags, or allow to dry for one to two days.
- 2). Apply an oil-based primer to the aluminum. Pour the primer into a paint pan. Brush or roll the primer over the aluminum, completely covering the surface. Allow the primer to dry for one to two days. Clean the rollers, brushes and paint pans with turpentine and water.
- 3). Paint the aluminum with 100 percent acrylic latex paint. Roll the paint roller in a V shape back and forth over the aluminum if painting a flat surface. Use the paintbrush to paint along edges of the aluminum. Cover the entire surface of the aluminum with the paint. Clean painting tools with the turpentine when finished.
